Monday, March 30, 2015

Nora Lewis just wants an escape after losing her fiancé in the
Great War. When she inherits property in England, she boldly packs up
and leaves America for a fresh start. But if not for her dashing new
neighbor, Colin Ashby, she'd be lost. Even as their
friendship deepens, Nora knows a British aristocrat would never be free
to love an American orphan, no matter how much the war has changed the
world . . . After his brother's death in the war and his own experiences
as a pilot at the front, Colin returns home
broken, only to discover his family's estate is also in ruin. The
pressure is now on him to save his home and the Ashbys' place in society
with a well-bred match to a wealthy heiress. Too bad he finds more of a
kindred spirit in Nora, the beautiful American
next door. She, too, has faced the rigors of war and survived. Now the
ex-soldier will have one more battle to fight-this time for love.

My ReviewThis is such a sweet romance- I loved how Nora and Colin's friendship developed in a genuine way. I admired her courage to leave everything behind and start fresh in an entirely different country. There are a couple of mysteries Nora encounters in her new neighborhood which provides some additional storylines to the main plot. I also enjoyed reading about Colin's experiences as a pilot in the first world war and later as he continues to fly his aeroplane over the English countryside. The bond he had with his brother was evident in how intensely he grieved his loss. Even though they had completely different life purposes and personalities, the brotherly love was touching, and made it even harder for Colin to try to fill his shoes. Nora helps him put things in perspective and come to terms with God and death, even as she grieves the loss of her fiancé. My favorite quote from the book deals with this theme:"I don't believe it was God's will for any of those soldiers to die in the war... War is not something God condones, Colin, but men must be allowed to choose what they will make of their lives- good or evil. He cannot rob them of that... While I don't believe God wanted Tom or Christian to die, I do believe He has a greater perspective than I do. Just like a pilot in his plane, who sees a much different picture that what we can from the ground... When we go through heartache and loss, it's our right and challenge to discover what God wants us to do and become from those experiences... That is his will. To help us catch a glimpse of the wider, bigger perspective. To recognize and rejoice in those moments when He reaches down and compensates our losses."

Stacy Henrie has always had an avid appetite for history, fiction
and chocolate. She earned her B.A. in public relations and worked in
communications before turning her attentions to raising a family and
writing inspirational historical romances. Wife
of an entrepreneur husband and a stay-at-home mom to three, Stacy loves
the chance to live out history through her fictional characters, while
enjoying the modern conveniences of life in the 21st century. In
addition to author, she is a reader, a road trip
enthusiast and a novice interior decorator. Her first novel, Lady Outlaw, released from Harlequin Love Inspired Historical in 2012.

With a glare at both of
them, Jack smashed his cap on his head and stalked from the room. He proceeded
to slam the door behind him, but it hit the doorframe and bounced open instead.

Nora pushed out a sigh.
“You didn’t have to be rude. Jack’s been very helpful to me this past week.” Maybe a bit too much. But she didn’t
voice that thought. Colin needed no further ammunition against Jack.

“I’m sure he has,”
Colin muttered, his expression as dark as his eyes.

Nora pinned him with a
piercing look.

“You’re right.” He
finished buttoning his cuffs and slipped on his vest. “That was ungentlemanly
of me.”

She ignored his
reference to her joke at their first meeting as she put away the corn starch
and closed the cupboard. It was easier to keep her heart firmly locked if she
held onto her disapproval of Colin’s behavior. Plus it would also stop her from
wondering what he’d been about to say before Jack’s arrival.

“How may I redeem
myself?” he asked as he pulled on his jacket. The amusement tugging at his
mouth contradicted his contrite tone.

“First, you must join
me for choir rehearsal at the church tomorrow morning.”

The mirth drained from
his face. “Nora.” His voice held a note of warning. “That is entirely—”

“Second, you and
Perseus can give me a tour around the lake. I’ve already been here a week and
haven’t even seen all of it.”

Colin scowled. “A walk
around the lake would be acceptable. But the choir rehearsal . . .”

“Please, Colin.” She
hazarded a step toward him, hoping he’d relent. “I sang with them last Sunday
and they need more male voices.”

She had another reason
for wanting him there. Everyone had been kind at rehearsal and at church the
following day, but Nora still felt uncomfortable with the continued references
to her likeness to Eleanor. Apparently their similarities also included their
singing voices. With Colin at the rehearsals, she wouldn’t feel as awkward. She
was beginning to think he was the only person in Larksbeck who hadn’t known
Eleanor.

Colin’s brow knit in
obvious annoyance, while Nora held her breath. Would he accept her proposal?
Finally resignation settled over his countenance. “I’ll go, but only once.” He
held up a single finger. “Once,” he repeated. “I make no promises after that.”

Grateful, she breached
the remaining space between them and put her hand on his sleeve. “I agree to
those terms.” She couldn’t hide her smile as she added, “Be careful, though, we
might make a regular choir member out of you yet.”

Instead of the light
laugh she expected, Colin solemnly watched her. Though he didn’t touch her, she
felt as powerless to release his sleeve as if he’d detained her hand. She
couldn’t step away—his nearness drew her in like the promising warmth of a fire
after being out in a storm.

“You know,” he
murmured, his voice low, “you are rather charming when you jest like that.”

Nora’s pulse stuttered
to a stop, then sped up again like a train gaining speed. She tried to remember
why she’d been angry with him, tried to remember why she couldn’t allow
anything more than friendship to blossom between them. But she couldn’t
concentrate on any one thought, except for the growing desire to touch the hint
of dark bristles covering his jaw.

Colin studied her lips
as Jack had done last week, but this moment couldn’t be more different. A part
of her, one growing more insistent by the second, actually wanted Colin to kiss
her. How long had it been since she’d last felt the press of masculine lips
against hers?

Not since before Tom
left.

The memory crashed over
her with all the effect of an ocean wave. She felt suddenly ill and cold.
Releasing Colin’s sleeve, she stepped back, crossing her arms over her chest
for warmth.

Forgive
me, Tom.

She’d done nothing
wrong, but even entertaining the idea of Colin kissing her felt like a betrayal.
Her heart could never belong to anyone else. And yet, in this moment, the past
felt more like a burden than a boon.

“I’ll . . . uh . . .
just get my sweater, then we can go on that walk.” Nora went to pull the
garment off its usual peg. Her hands shook slightly as she slipped the sweater
on over her blouse. “Ready?”

A flicker of emotion
gleamed in Colin’s dark eyes. Was it disappointment? Frustration? Would he
forgive her abruptness or understand the source of her pain? As quickly as it
had come, though, the sentiment faded and Colin shot her a carefree grin.
“After you, fair lady.”

Friday, March 27, 2015

Savor a unique
scriptural experience with this beautiful book that combines text
adapted from Jacob 5 with stunning artwork and calligraphy. A gorgeous
addition to any LDS home, it will enhance your understanding of the
exquisite symbolism in this significant story.

My Review

This is a beautiful book of paintings and calligraphy depicting the allegory of the olive tree from The Book of Mormon. I appreciated the loveliness, however I was expecting more interpretation from the original content. The text is word for word from the scriptures, and somewhat difficult to read in calligraphy form, especially for children. The art depicts literally what is read in the verses rather than the meaning behind the allegory. It would make a nice gift for a teenager or adult studying the Book of Mormon.

(Thank you to Cedar Fort Publishing for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review)

Thursday, March 26, 2015

Driven by hope and
vengeance, Carina Maria DiGratia leaves her idyllic home in Sonoma,
California, for a new life in the mining town of Crystal, Colorado.
Though the town has a rough element, Carina is determined that it is the
place her dreams will come true. Early on, two men vie for her trust,
but neither is what he seems. Will Carina discern the truth in time to
prevent tragedy?

Wednesday, March 25, 2015

3 starsIn THE WEDDING GIFT: A
PRIDE AND PREJUDICE STORY, an enchanting novella by Anna Elliott, the
story opens two weeks before Elizabeth Bennet’s wedding to Mr. Darcy. He
has given her the perfect wedding gift, and now she must come up with
one for him. But what do you give a man who has everything? Elizabeth
soon discovers that the gift of love is more important than any one
thing.

5 stars DREAM OF A GLORIOUS SEASON, a sweet novella by Sarah M.
Eden, we meet Elizabeth Gillerford who envies her sister only one
thing—that she’s been intended for Julian Broadwood since they were
children. The trouble is that Elizabeth is hopelessly in love with
Julian too. When Julian discovers that Elizabeth has been denied a
Season because her older sister is yet unwed, he undertakes his own
stealthy measures to introduce her to society, only to find himself
falling in love with her himself.

5 starsIn THE MENDER, a captivating
story by Carla Kelly, Thankful Winnings takes a sea voyage with her
cousin on the Ann Alexander, in a last adventure before she settles down
to marry one of her beaus. Unexpectedly they come upon the aftermath of
a fierce ship battle, and Thankful is commissioned to help in the place
of an injured surgeon on one of the Royal Navy ships. Adam Farnsworth,
surgeon, has been at sea for years. Tired of war, but devoted to his
post, it takes a resourceful lady such as Thankful to give him the hope
of love and help heal his own wounds, the ones that show and the ones
that don’t.

3 stars In BEGIN AGAIN, a charming novella by Josi S.
Kilpack, Regina Weathers gives up on marrying for love the day that Ross
Martin walks out of her life. Now, fifteen years later, Ross shows up
at a ball and thinks he can woo Regina. But she is set on her lonely
path and stitched-up heart, no matter the excuse Ross gives for his
years of silence and neglect. When Ross insists he wrote many letters
during his military years, Regina discovers a secret long-since buried
by her father, and the revelation might be enough to thaw the coldness
of her heart.

4 stars In Annette Lyon’s endearing story, THE AFFAIR AT
WILDEMOORE, Mrs. Ellen Stanhope escorts her three daughters to a ball.
As her oldest flirts with a beau, Ellen is reminded of her courtship and
early years of marriage with Anthony, before tragedy struck with the
death of their infant son. The marriage has faded and dulled. Not until
she sees Anthony dancing with a woman he courted years before does Ellen
realize how much she misses him, still loves him, and yearns for him to
yet feel the same way for her.

5 stars In the delightful novella, THE
DUKE’S BROTHER, by Heather B. Moore, Mr. Gregory Clark is having an
awful day, and it only gets worse when he’s run over by … a woman. Mabel
Russell reluctantly visits her sister in London for the Season, even
though she’d rather stay in the country cataloging insects and aphids.
When she runs into Gregory Clark, quite literally, she’s afraid to show
any interest, especially since he’s a member of the dreaded ton. But
getting to know Gregory becomes an unexpected delight.

My Review

I just love reading novellas! They are the perfect quick fix for the end of a long day. I definitely enjoyed this collection; all are good stories and I loved several of them. It's always a pleasure to read from the Regency era, and even though that was a theme of all these stories, each one was different very different. I found The Mender by Carla Kelly to be especially unique with it's focus on the aftermath of a battle at sea and tending to the injured. My other favorites are The Duke's Brother by Heather B. Moore and Dream of a Glorious Season by Sarah Eden.

(Thank you to Ebooks For Review for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review)

Marriage wasn’t bliss—not for Marilee. Instead of finding contentment with the handsome son of a sovereign duke, she found betrayal and neglect. And fear. A fear that finally lifts when her husband dies, freeing her from his domineering hand. But freedom alone can't give her peace, and she must battle to regain her love for life, rebuild her happiness, and reclaim the ability to trust. When her charming neighbor intrudes on her quiet life, offering his friendship (and a dog, of all things), she must determine whether his interest is genuine, whether he is a friend or foe, and whether he deserves the fragile bit of trust she has managed to scrape together.

I was born in Utah, part of a crazy, fun family of nine. I grew up in Flagstaff, AZ and St. Louis, MO before striking out on my own college adventure in Virginia. I decided to try my hand at writing novels after I was married and living in Idaho. I write clean romance because it’s my favorite genre, but often difficult to find.

I have Charlotte Brontë to thank for the courage to write novels. After being bombarded with assigned reading about women who justified abandoning either their families or their principles in the name of love, I had the great fortune of reading Jane Eyre. And that was it: finally, a heroine who understood that being moral and making the right choice was hard, and sometimes it hurt, but it was still worth it. After rereading it several years later, I realized that if I wanted more books to exist with the kinds of heroines I admired, then I might as well write a few myself. My books are about women who face hard choices, who face pain and rejection and often have to face the reality of sacrificing what they want for what is right. The consequences are often difficult or unpleasant, but in the end, doing what’s right will always be worth it.
I believe there is no substitute for good writing or good chocolate. Fortunately, one often leads to the other.

$25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash
Ends 4/8/15
Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tuesday, March 24, 2015

There is a law irrevocably decreed in the state of Alabama that you must
choose a team. You're either an Auburn fan or an Alabama Fan. There is
no fence sitting or waffling. It’s one or the other. However, it doesn't
mean that you can’t fall in love with someone from the opposing side.
They even have a name for it ... House Divided.
Ellie Eaton and Brady Jackson were just such a couple, but unfortunately
they were separated by more than just their loyalty to a university.
Against the odds and against the rules, Ellie and Brady dove right into
the forbidden current of friendship and then love. Their sweet, innocent
romance was one for the storybooks, but old rules and family prejudices
ultimately tore them apart, just as they were each ready to depart to
their beloved universities, Ellie to Auburn and Brady to Alabama. But
years later, when near tragedy strikes, they're brought together again
and given a second chance at love, this time with help from some very
unlikely sources.
House Divided is a sweet romance filled with southern charm, a dash of
humor and, for good measure, a pinch of lies and intrigue.

My Review

Wow, there is quite a bit of emotion in this story. The friendship between Ellie and Brady is so sweet, and he is so determined to win her heart again. His relentlessness is my favorite thing about this book. It was refreshing for the hero to know exactly what he wants and goes for it. Of course, this laid the conflict at the feet of Ellie, who repeatedly thought/said how much she wanted him, but it was impossible to be together. Major angst-fest. The prologue was written well about Ellie and Brady's early relationship; it made me invested in them and rooting for them from the beginning to the end. Ellie's Aunt Lu is a fabulous secondary character and helps show Ellie's more compassionate and nurturing side. She has an unwavering devotion to her aunt that tells us how deeply she loves. I couldn't put this book down and had yet another late-night reading hangover :)

(Thank you to Ebooks for Review for providing a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review)

Author Jennifer Peel

I'm a Colorado native who currently calls Alabama home. I'm the mother of three amazing children who have grown up way too fast. I enjoy the mountains, vacations at the beach, date night with my husband, late night talks with my kiddos, touring model homes, and pink bubblegum ice cream.
I grew up on the Western Slope in the Colorado Rocky Mountains. I learned to love the beauty of the outdoors, but not camping--unless staying overnight at the Marriott counts. I met my husband while living in Denver and then several years later we traded the beauty and majesty of the Colorado Rocky Mountains for the art and culture of Chicago, Illinois. My family and I enjoyed living near this world class city, despite the crazy cold winters, but new adventures awaited in Northern Alabama--just six hours away from Orange Beach, Alabama. These three magical places (the Colorado Rocky Mountains, Chicago, and Orange Beach) are the inspired locations used in several of my books.

$25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash
Ends 4/12/15
Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

Miss Onyx Hamilton is
about to make what everyone agrees is a perfect marriage—until handsome
Major Jack Beresford comes galloping into her life. But with his fortune
and connections, Onyx knows he’d never ask for her hand, would he? New
and longtime fans alike will relish this delightful romance from Carla
Kelly. Charming, sweet, and full of fun, it’s simply impossible to stop
reading.

My Review

The synopsis of this book makes it sound more light and fluffy than I found it to be. Onyx is an illegitimate child, being bullied by her foster mother into a loveless marriage with an obnoxious reverend- who could give Mr. Collins from Pride and Prejudice a run for his money. I rather pitied Onyx as she woodenly gives in and goes along with plans that others make for her life. My interest in the book was dwindling until Onyx experiences independence from her family as she travels to her future home and begins to realize the value of the person she really is. She meets Jack through a harrowing experience that tests her mettle and establishes her as the strong and spunky female lead I always enjoy reading about. Jack is a wounded soul, just trying to get home and recover from the nightmares of war, but Onyx brings joy and laughter into his heart again- I found his wicked sense of humor a fun element to their relationship. For a regency romance, this book is a little more gritty than the norm, which I appreciated as the author explores themes of death, sickness, grief, war, societal bounds, and family loyalty. Highly recommend to fans of Jane Austen, Julie Klassen and Julianne Donaldson.

(Thank you to Cedar Fort Publishing for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review)

Monday, March 23, 2015

Tangerine Street is a
must-see tourist stop with a colorful mix of one-of-a-kind boutiques,
unique restaurants, eclectic museums, quaint bookstores, and renowned
bed-and-breakfasts. The Boardwalk Antiques Shop is an exclusive shop
where every antique has a story, and each story possesses the gift to
match true love. The customer who buys an antique also buys its story
and soon discovers that its story unites the past with the present,
creating an unexpected romantic future…

“Where Every Antique has a Story”

MESSAGE
IN A BOTTLE: Jennifer is newest owner of The Boardwalk Antiques Shop,
inherited from her aunt. When Jennifer arrives in Seashell Beach, her
first priority is to meet with a realtor to sell the place. She laughs
out loud when she discovers the realtor’s name is Mr. Studly. But the
more Jennifer gets to know Paul Studly, the more she finds reasons to
stay and run the antiques shop herself.

SOLVING FOR X: Abbie is
only a little bit obsessed with antiques, okay, a lot. So when Holden,
an out-of-town business executive, tries to purchase the tin soldiers
that Abbie’s had her eye on, Abbie refuses to back down. The antiques
shop owner issues a challenge: whoever comes up with the best story for
wanting the soldiers, will become the new owner. Abbie isn’t about to
let some fancy executive beat her out, no matter how charming he is.

A
STITCH IN TIME: When Cate learns that antiques dealer Henry Lancaster
has purchased the sewing machine left to her by her grandmother, Cate is
determined to get it back. What she isn’t counting on is that Henry has
just as much claim as Cate. And it doesn’t help that Henry is
good-looking and apparently single. Getting to know Henry becomes an
unexpected surprise, sending her life into a sudden detour.

My Review

It was a pleasure reading these three stories that tie together in a subtle way. The characters are vibrant, the setting is interesting, and the plots are well-rounded. I don't think I could choose a favorite of the three since I liked them all equally! I love antiques so that theme especially appealed to me. I would love to be in Jennifer's shoes- running an antique shop where every piece is special and has a story behind it :) As soon as I finished reading this book I immediately bought the first book in the series- The Fortune Cafe, which I also loved! I'm looking forward to more fun stories from these talented authors.

(Thank you to Ebooks For Review for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review)

Sunday, March 22, 2015

In this beautifully
rendered, affecting novel, a young widow’s world is shattered when she
meets her late husband’s identical twin—and finds herself caught between
honoring her husband’s memory and falling in love with his
reflection. Haley’s whirlwind romance and almost three-year marriage to
Sam, an army medic, ends tragically when he is killed in Afghanistan. As
she grapples with widowhood and the upcoming birth of her son, her
attempts to create a new life for herself are ambushed when she arrives
home one evening—and finds her husband waiting for her. Did the military
make an unimaginable mistake when they told her that Sam had been
killed?

After a twelve-year estrangement, Stephen hopes to make
things right with his brother—only to discover Sam died without
revealing Stephen’s existence to Haley. As Haley and Stephen struggle to
navigate their fragile relationship, they are inexorably drawn to each
other. Haley is unnerved by Stephen’s uncanny resemblance to Sam, and
Stephen struggles with the issue of Haley loving him as Stephen—and not
as some reflection of his twin. How can Haley and Stephen honor the
memory of a man whose death brought them together—and whose ghost could
drive them apart?

Somebody Like You reminds us that
while we can’t change the past, we have the choice—and the power through
God—to change the future and start anew.

My Review

The theme of grief is the front and center theme of this novel. It's not depressing, though, I was touched more than anything. Even with the unique plot, the characters and their interactions with each other felt very realistic. Haley and Stephen both explore their regrets with their relationship with Sam and life up to the point they are at, since they are both at a crossroads. The writing is sweet and tender, raw and real. A perfect balance between hurt, healing, and hope. Highly recommend.

(Thank you to Howard Books for providing a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review)

Spring has arrived in
Middlebury, Indiana, and Amber Wright can see profits in sight for her
collection of Amish artisan shops—until she receives a call that Ethan
Gray is dead. Hurrying over to A Simple Blend, she finds a single hole
in the front window and Mr. Gray dead from an apparent heart attack. All
the money is still in his register. Hannah Troyer takes over the shop’s
duties, and she and Amber become fast friends as well as amateur
sleuths. The police believe Gray’s death to be a by-product of
vandalism, but Amber and Hannah aren’t so easily convinced.Old
Testament clues that don’t add up, a neighbor who is pulled into the
midst of the investigation, a town with secrets to hide, and blossoming
romance—all will combine to push Amber and Hannah into unfamiliar roles
in order to solve a mystery and bring peace to the Amish community.

My Review

This was a good book. I liked the characters. I liked the setting. The mystery was mysterious. The drawback for me was that the pacing was just so slow. There doesn't seem to be any urgency to the investigation which I'm not used to in a murder mystery. Each clue that moved the story forward came between leisurely description and details from three different points of view- Amber's, Hannah's, and the neighboring farmer Tate. The three perspectives do give variety to the story and show how the Amish and English communities interact and form friendships. The romance between Amber and Tate is especially enjoyable to see develop.

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